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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Weighted blankets contain plastic pellets or glass beads to make them heavier. Some people sleep better or feel calmer under a weighted blanket. Share on PinterestThis article will discuss how weighted blankets work, their reported health benefits, and whether they can help with certain health-related issues. We also review different brands of weighted blankets. Quick linksBest for children: Sweetzer & Orange Weighted BlanketBest for a variety of temperatures Degrees of Comfort Weighted BlanketBest wide range of sizes and weights Quility Premium Weighted BlanketBest for heavier weights Gravity BlanketBest cooling weighted blanket CoolZen Cooling Weighted Blanket The best weighted blankets Before buying a blanket, people may wish to consider if they want one filled with plastic or glass beads. Blankets containing glass beads tend to be more expensive, although some people may prefer their texture. Glass beads are also better for the environment. The following are some weighted blankets currently available for purchase. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for children Sweetzer & Orange Weighted Blanket for Kids Price$29.87 or $34.87Weight5 lb or 7 lbFabriccottonSweetzer & Orange made this weighted blanket to appeal to children, with designs featuring dinosaurs and unicorns. The company provides 5- and 7-pound (lb) blankets suitable for children between 42 and 88 lb. The product has a removable soft cover that provides extra warmth during cold weather, with odorless, nontoxic glass microspheres to weigh the blanket down. According to the company, the cover adds 1.25–1.75 lb to the total blanket weight. Customer reviews praise these blankets for being high quality and sturdy. They also praise the blanket’s size and that it is washable. Some customers also mention that it helped their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism sleep better. However, some customers complained that there is no even weight distribution in the blanket. Others say that the zipper on the blanket’s cover can break. The advantages and drawbacks of these blankets to consider may include: Pros:designed for childrenmore affordableincludes soft textured sidecomes with a winter duvet cover Cons:only big enough for one childlimited range of designssome reviews mention quality issues The 5 lb blanket costs $29.87, and the 7 lb blanket costs $34.87.SHOP NOW Best for a variety of temperatures Degrees of Comfort Weighted Blanket Price$35.99–119.99Weight5–30 lbFabricpolyesterDegrees of Comfort provides two covers with its weighted blanket: a pre-assembled plush cover for cold weather and a lighter cover for warmer temperatures. Each blanket contains small pockets with premium glass beads that evenly distribute weight. The company offers several weights of 5–30 lb in its range, suitable for people weighing between 50 and 300 lb. The blankets currently come in gray, navy, or tan. Some customers claim it has improved the quality of their sleep. In negative reviews, some customers complain that the weight does not distribute evenly throughout the blanket. Others also added that the beads fell to the bottom of the blanket during sleep. A person can consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this blanket: Pros:comes with cooling and warming duvet coversuses precise pockets to keep glass beads in placecomes in 10 weights Cons:limited color rangesome users found the weight is not even The prices for the Degrees of Comfort Weighted Blanket range from $35.99 to $119.99.SHOP NOW Best wide range of sizes and weights Quility Premium Weighted Blanket Price$49.99–179.99Weight5–30 lbFabriccotton and polyesterQuility’s weighted blanket has seven layers that provide comfort and durability. The product reportedly keeps people warm while they sleep. The blanket also contains two layers of polyester, with each layer containing micro glass beads to give the blanket its weight. This product comes with a removable cover and is available in several weights, from 5 to 30 lb, suitable for those weighing 50–300 lb. Many say the blanket improves the quality of their sleep. Some customers with sensory processing issues praise the blanket’s softness and texture. In more negative reviews, one customer wrote that the blanket made them too hot and disturbed their sleep. Some also said the blanket was too heavy. A person can consider the following advantages and drawbacks: Pros:comes in a wide range of weightsavailable in four sizeswide range of colorsincludes removable cover Cons:unsuitable for people who want to keep cool during sleepsome users report the blanket is too heavy The blanket currently sells for between $49.99 and $179.99.SHOP NOW Best for heavier weights Gravity Blanket Price$215–$275Weight15–35 lbFabricmicrofleece, cottonThis blanket features stitching that helps evenly distribute its glass microbeads throughout the fabric. It also comes with a plush and washable duvet cover. The Gravity Blanket comes in two sizes, twin and queen/king. The twin size is available in 15, 20, and 25-pound weights. The queen/king-size blanket weighs 35 pounds. Customers praise that the blanket is soft and does not make them too hot during sleep. Some also say the blanket has improved the quality of their sleep. More negative reviews complain that the weight does not distribute evenly throughout the blanket and that the pellets shift too much. The advantages and drawbacks to consider include: Pros:available in three colorspeople may find higher weights more calmingstitched pockets hold the beads in place Cons:higher weights are unsuitable for childrenonly for use by one personmore expensive than others The prices for this blanket range from $215 to $275.SHOP NOW Best cooling weighted blanket CoolZen Cooling Weighted Blanket Price$119.99–124.99Weight12–25 lbFabriccottonThis weighted blanket comes in breathable fabrics that may prevent a person from getting too hot during sleep. It comes with fine glass microbeads, patterned stitching for even weight distribution, a durable zipper, and a washable, removable cover. The blanket comes in two sizes: 48 x 72 and 60 x 80. It is available in weights of 12, 15, and 25 lb. Some users say the blanket helps alleviate their stress and anxiety. Another review mentions that multiple ties connect the cover to the blanket, so it does not get bunched up beneath the cover. However, one reviewer mentioned that they slept on their side, and the weighted blanket caused them to have back pain. Another described the blanket as too heavy. A person can consider the following advantages and drawbacks: Pros:washableincludes ties to fix it securely to coverfeatures cooling fabrics Cons:expensivebrand is not specific on what fabrics it uses The prices range from $119.99–124.99.SHOP NOW How to choose the right weighted blanket When purchasing a weighted blanket, a person may consider:Weight: Weighted blankets typically range from 5 to 7 lb for children’s blankets and 10 to 30 lb for adult-sized blankets. Generally, companies recommend a person choose a blanket that is around 10% of their body weight. An individual should be able to get out from underneath the blanket easily and feel comfortable while using it. However, heavier weights may not suit people who have claustrophobia or mobility issues. Learn more about how heavy weighted blankets should be.Size: Some blankets are only for use by one person. This is because manufacturers design weighted blankets according to a person’s body weight rather than bed size. The right size will depend on each user’s own body weight, personal preferences, and health needs. Additionally, people may wish to consider who will be using the blanket and whether their chosen weight and size will suit each individual.Materials: Blankets often feature cotton or polyester designs. Breathable fabrics may help keep a person cool under the blanket, while synthetic fabrics can trap heat, which may be more suitable for colder climates. Some brands use plastic pellets to add weight to the blanket, while others use glass beads, which may have a smaller impact on the environment.Price: Blankets with heavier weights tend to be more expensive than lighter blankets. A person should consider the features they need and choose a blanket that will suit their budget. Do weighted blankets work Overall, there is limited research into whether weighted blankets are effective for alleviating stress, anxiety, and insomnia. A small 2020 systematic review noted that occupational therapists use weighted blankets to help with emotional and physical regulation. The authors concluded that they may be useful in alleviating anxiety, but there is insufficient evidence to suggest they can help improve insomnia. The authors also wrote that more research is necessary to define guidelines for use and understand how weighted blankets work. A different 2020 study, focusing on the effectiveness of weighted blankets in people with ADHD and autism, found that they can help people relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep overnight. The study included 48 children and 37 adults. Additionally, 2021 research found weighted blankets helped people living in psychiatric facilities manage anxiety. Learn more about whether weighted blankets work. How do weighted blankets work There is little research on how weighted blankets work and how they benefit specific conditions. However, researchers believe they may work by providing deep pressure stimulation (DPS). DPS is a firm but gentle squeezing or holding sensation, which can trigger feelings of relaxation and calm. This may be because DPS can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can decrease the heart rate and is most active when a person is at rest. Additionally, according to older research, light pressure can release oxytocin, a hormone that has links to feelings of love and bonding that can reduce stress. The weight of a weighted blanket may induce this effect in some people. Further to this, an older 2006 study found that deep pressure stimulation from a 30-lb weighted blanket reduced anxiety. What are the health benefits of weighted blankets Some people may find that DPS using weighted blankets has the following health benefits:feeling calm for up to a few hours after usedecreased anxietyincreased happinessbetter quality sleepincreased focusfinding it easier to cope with stressful situations, such as school or work Do weighted blankets benefit any conditions Weighted blankets may help ease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and autism. However, more research is necessary to understand fully how these products work on the body. Anxiety A 2020 systematic review found that weighted blankets may help decrease anxiety but were not as effective in alleviating insomnia. The authors acknowledge they need to conduct more research on how these blankets reduce anxiety and how effective they are in clinical settings. Learn more about weighted blankets and anxiety. Autism spectrum disorder ASD People with ASD may prefer weighted blankets to nonweighted variants. A 2014 study found that they did not affect children’s behavior or help them get to sleep faster. However, the children and their parents say they preferred using them over other forms of bedding. Learn more about ASD here. Insomnia A 2015 study found that weighted blankets may help ease mild to moderate insomnia and other mild sleep problems in some people. This is due to the blanket’s deep pressure and consistent sensory input, which encourages relaxation. The researchers also noted that a weighted blanket that is 10% of a person’s body weight works best for insomnia. For example, if someone weighs 200 lb, they may find optimal benefit with a weighted blanket of 20 lb. However, a 2020 systematic review noted that there is not enough evidence to suggest that weighted blankets are suitable for treating insomnia, and more research is necessary. Learn more about insomnia here. Frequently asked questions about weighted blankets Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about weighted blankets. br What are the advantages and drawbacks of a weighted blanket Weighted blankets may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and help people fall asleep. They may also help autistic people or those with sensory regulation problems feel calm. However, they may not work for everyone, and there is little scientific research regarding their effectiveness for health conditions. Additionally, some people may find weighted blankets too hot. Additionally, larger or heavier weighted blankets can be expensive. Learn more about the best weighted blankets for hot sleepers. How much do weighted blankets cost Adult-sized weighted blankets can cost between $70 and $200. Child-sized weighted blankets sell for around $29–49. The larger or heavier a blanket is, the more expensive it will be. How does a person care for weighted blankets How to care for a weighted blanket depends on the brand and materials it uses. Some blankets are washable at home, while others may be wipe-clean only. Many come with removable duvet covers, so a person can wash them in a washing machine. Individuals should check the care requirements for their chosen weighted blanket before making a purchase. Summary Weighted blankets provide DPS, which may help people with health conditions, such as ASD, insomnia, and anxiety. These blankets may also ease the symptoms of these conditions by promoting a sense of relaxation and calm. There are several products available to buy, each with varying sizes and weights. Last medically reviewed on July 21, 2022AutismADHD / ADDSleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia 12 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ackerly, R., et al. (2015). Positive effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia. https://www.jscimedcentral.com/SleepMedicine/sleepmedicine-2-1022.pdfBaric, V. B., et al. (2021). The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11038128.2021.1939414?scroll=top&needAccess=trueBecklund, A. L., et al. (2021). Using weighted blankets in an inpatient mental health hospital to decrease anxiety.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S209549642030131X?via%3DihubBestbier, L., et al. (2017). The immediate effects of deep pressure on young people with autism and severe intellectual difficulties: Demonstrating individual differences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612681/Eron, K., et al. (2020). Weighted blanket use: A systematic review [Abstract]. https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/74/2/7402205010p1/6662/Weighted-Blanket-Use-A-Systematic-Review?redirectedFrom=fulltextFolkes, D. E., et al. (2018). A systematic review of the efficacy of weighted vests and blankets on people with ASD or ADHD. https://jdc.jefferson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=student_papersGringras, P., et al. (2014). Weighted blankets and sleep in autistic children -A randomized controlled trial [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25022743/More than just a fad: 4 ways weighted blankets can actually help you. (n.d.). https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/february/weighted-blanketsMullen, B., et al. (2008). Exploring the safety and therapeutic effects of deep pressure stimulation using a weighted blanket [Abstract].https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J004v24n01_05Tindle, J., et al. (2021). Neuroanatomy, parasympathetic nervous system.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553141Uvnäs-Moberg, K., et al. (2014). Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290532/What is deep pressure stimulation? (n.d.).https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-deep-pressure-stimulation/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Veronica Zambon — Updated on July 21, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow heavy should a weighted blanket be?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Weighted blankets may help people sleep better. Learn about how heavy a weighted blanket should be and who should not use them here.READ MOREDo weighted blankets work for anxiety?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Anxiety can be difficult to recognize and harder to treat. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage anxiety, including medication, lifestyle changes,READ MOREWeighted blankets: Do they work?Medically reviewed by Danielle Hildreth, CPT Manufacturers of weighted blankets claim that the pressure of the blanket on a person’s body has a therapeutic, calming effect. Learn more.READ MORE8 ways to improve sleepMedically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD Many people find it hard to fall asleep. Learn more about the things a person can use to try and help them fall asleep and when to seek help, here.READ MORE11 of the best stress relief productsMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Stress relief products include items such as adult coloring books and weighted blankets. Learn more about stress relief products for use at home and…READ MORE